When it comes to choosing an anime to watch, titles are usually the first thing that catches a viewer’s attention. However, not all anime titles appropriately reflect the content or plot of the series. In some cases, anime titles can be misleading, leading to unpleasant surprises for viewers. This article aims to highlight some anime titles that do not accurately represent the anime series’ content.
1. Bungou Stray Dogs
Bungou Stray Dogs, translated literally as “Stray Dogs Literature,” features characters named after famous Japanese and foreign writers. Each character also possesses supernatural abilities based on their respective writer’s literary work. However, the anime series does not revolve around dogs or literature, making its title quite misleading.
The anime’s plot follows Atsushi Nakajima and his attempt to uncover his true identity as a were-tiger by joining a group of gifted individuals who help the government solve mystical crimes. While the title seems to suggest a different genre of anime, it does offer a fulfilling story full of twists and turns.
2. Princess Principal
At first, the title Princess Principal suggests a light-hearted plot with school life or slice-of-life genre. However, the anime series is far from it. This anime takes place in London in the early 20th century and follows a group of girls who are not only students at the prestigious Queen’s Mayfaire Academy, but they also work undercover as spies for the government.
The anime follows the girls on their dangerous spy missions, which reveal the dark side of politics and the burdens of responsibility that come with it. Despite its misleading title, Princess Principal is a thrilling and complex anime series.
3. Puella Magi Madoka Magica
Puella Magi Madoka Magica is a classic example of a misleading title. While the anime is about magical girls, it is far from the typical magical girl anime genre. The anime series has dark themes, and the story focuses on the psychological struggles the characters face while dealing with their responsibilities as magical girls.
The anime’s misleading title initially attracted fans who were looking for a traditional magical girl anime experience. Still, it delivered a unique story that explored the entangled lives and emotions of the heroines.
4. School Days
Another example of a misleading title is School Days. The title suggests an anime series about high schoolers and their everyday struggles. However, this anime is far from the typical high school anime genre. The anime adapts the worst route from the original visual novel where School Days’ protagonist Makoto Itou is killed brutally by one of his girlfriends.
The anime deals with love, sex, and betrayal that shatters the typical concept of a school anime. School Days is a classic example of a misleading title that leads to an unexpected experience.
5. Kiddy Grade
Kiddy Grade is a sci-fi anime that features ecchi elements, but its title might suggest an anime meant for kids. The anime takes the audience into the distant future where humans have successfully colonized space. Kiddy Grade follows Eclair and Lumiere, two secret organization members, who are in charge of preventing large galactic crimes.
The anime is full of explosive action sequences, but it is strictly for mature audiences due to its sexual themes. The anime’s misleading title often throws off viewers, and they are left shocked after witnessing the mature content.
Conclusion
Anime titles can be misleading, but it should not be a reason to miss out on great series. It is crucial to explore the plot and genre of the anime before deciding to enjoy the show. Anime genres have been pushed to their limits, and these misleading titles are an excellent way to attract new viewers to the genre. Don’t be fooled by the title; give an anime series a try, and you might be pleasantly surprised.
